GENEROSITY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 VOLUME 2

A Compilation of stories on Giving in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda

Period Covered May 1st - June 30th 2020 About CivSource Africa

CivSource Africa is a philanthropy support and advisory organization committed to nurturing a more sustainable, effective and connected civil society that advances the dignity and voices of all people. We do this through promoting reflective, responsive, and accountable philanthropic practice.

CivSource Africa is also passionate about promoting African philanthropy and telling the stories of African giving and generosity.

Plot 18, Balikuddembe Road, Naguru Kampala, Uganda P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056 civsourceafrica.com [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/CivSourceAfrica https://twitter.com/CivsourceAfrica WHERE PHILANTHROPY MEETS CIVIL SOCIETY Table of Contents

Foreword 5

Acknowledegments 6

Acronyms 7

Background 6

Chapter 1 10 Private Sector And Civil Society Giving Chapter 2 23 Universities: Giving Cash, Innovations, Skills, And Information Chapter 3 27 Women And Giving Chapter 4 43 Giving By The Faith Community In The Time of Covid-19 Chapter 5 36 A Glance At The Giving Stories By Region - Western Uganda Chapter 6 54 Eastern Uganda Chapter 7 63 Northern uganda Chapter 8 70 A Quick Glance At The African Scene Foreword

It gives us great pleasure to bring you the such a boy and all others like him, will 2nd Volume of the report “Generosity In form the next generation of givers and The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2”. Just like in the philanthropists in Uganda. We thus need first edition of our chronicles, this report to continually highlight these stories, continues to fetch stories and interviews as a way to encourage all people to give taken from individuals and organizations, whatever they can. that shared and gave, during the time of the COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda. We also reiterate that our report is but a small glimpse into the multitude of Even though, the lockdown seems to be giving stories across Uganda. We hope waning, more people seem to be in need this report helps us appreciate and of a helping hand. However, we are certain celebrate the giving hearts, but then that the ‘UBUNTU’ spirit still dwells again, we also hope it will drive us to both amongst us. Because the stories we share seek for accountability for that which is here, show that Ugandans are indeed given, as well as work towards defining capable and willing to step in to give a and developing a more supportive legal hand to those who in need. and policy framework for giving and philanthropy in Uganda. In this 2nd volume, we bring you the story of a young boy, who gave the equivalent We wish you good reading! of $2, towards the fight against corona virus. This only goes to show that it is Karibu! not what’s in the hand that counts, but what’s in the heart. And we believe that CivSource Team 6 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2 Vol.2

Acknowledgements:

We owe a great debt of thanks to Ms Caroline Ariba who helped compile the stories in this report. We also thank Ms Barbara Sebalu Sematimba, Ms Peace Kadondi and Ms Jacqueline Asiimwe who helped us edit this report. We thank Mr. Stuart Nsingwire who helped with the publication design.

We thank the team at NakivArt, who allowed us to use their painting for the back page of this report. NakivArt is an art collective for and by refugees that live in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro (in Western Uganda). NakivArt uses drawing and drama to heal trauma.

NakivArt used their art skills to educate their community about keeping safe during the Corona pandemic.

This report was made possible by the generous support of Global Fund for Community Foundations. 7 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2 Vol.2

Acronyms

COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease of 2019 PPE Protective Personal Equipment VHTs Village Health Teams OPM Office of the Prime Minister WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene ISPs Internet Service Providers UGX Uganda Shillings URN Uganda Radio Network PPPs Public-private partnerships (PPPs) AMREF African Medical and Research Foundation KRRH Kabale Regional Referral Hospital DRC Democratic Republic of Congo KABSOM Kabale University School of Medicine IUIU Islamic University in Uganda AHfD Automated Hands-free Dispenser KAB Kabale University ICU Intensive Care Unit IRCU Inter-religious Council of Uganda 8 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Background

This is volume Two of the ‘Giving Stories’ Uganda, was a lockdown. during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the coronavirus in Uganda. Uganda went into a coronavirus-induced lockdown on March 31st, 2020. Despite In the first issue, we brought you stories the easing of the lockdown in late May, of the giving that happened between the impact of the slowed economy and the months of March and April 2020. trade on the lives of ordinary Ugandans This volume covers giving stories that remained very alarming. More and more happened in the months of May and June people gave to help ease the burden of 2020. the lockdown. We are happy to bring you these stories in this second volume. At the end of 2019, the world received its first case of the coronavirus. Though miles This report may not have exhaustively away in Wuhan, a city in China, the highly captured all the giving that took place in infectious virus found its way across Uganda during the months of May – June borders and into countries like Uganda. 2020. Our commitment, however, is to document as much of it as possible. The reaction of most countries, including 9 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 1 Private Sector And Civil Society Giving 10 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

s we compiled this to UGX 15 billion (about directly to the communities/ Avolume, one of the $4 million). With UGX persons facing hardships things that worked in our 170 billion as the targeted brought about by the favor was that the Office of amount and a set target of lockdown. the Prime Minister [OPM] 10 vehicles for each district, released the official data on the fund still had a long Amongst Civil Society, for all donations made during road to go. example, organizations this period. Previously, no introduced the COVID-19 data on the response to the “We are still faced with pandemic relief component philanthropic acts, had been the challenge of raising to their social responsibility compiled or released as the another UGX 139 billion projects. For many, the official summation of all ($37.6 million) to meet efforts were channeled donations made by public the proposed target of through the district health or private entities. UGX 170BN ($46 million). and sanitation programs. We call upon more well- AMREF Uganda for example, According to the wishers, corporate bodies, donated Personal Protective Uganda Radio Network and organizations to Equipment [PPE], to (URN), https:// donate generously in the National Taskforce, ugandaradionetwork. the fight against the then focused the rest of net/story/donations-to- COVID-19 pandemic,” its activities directly to national-covid-19-fund- Emmanuel Katongole, the grassroot communities valued-at-ugx-28-billion- Fund Chairman made the where it operates. since its establishment in call through the Vision March 2020, the National Media Group. https:// AMREF explained how COVID-19 Fund received www.newvision.co.ug/ in Uganda as in other donations worth UGX 28 news/1010921/covid-19- countries, the COVID-19 billion (about $7.5 million). donations-hit-sh31b-mark response was to begin at The donations included; the community level, with cash, assorted food items, During the period of a focus on risk-of-disease medical supplies, vehicles, compilation of the stories communication and the and other non-perishable for this volume, we found prevention of transmission items. out that giving was still through improved water, happening, though not sanitation, and hygiene In the report presented being channeled through [WASH]. on May-20th-2020 to the National COVID-19 Parliament by the Prime Taskforce, as was done “We have partnered with Minister, Dr. Ruhakana between March, April and district leaders and media Rugunda, it was noted that May 2020. Instead, most in Arua and Amuru Districts the cash donations totaled giving was taking place to develop health messages 11 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

enabling communities at the MTN head offices 100M ($27). to understand what to support the Ministry of COVID-19 is, and how they Health workforce to receive This food was distributed can protect themselves. We calls from members of the to 4,700 people through have also conducted mass public seeking referrals various Muslim awareness-raising radio and those seeking general communities, starting campaigns in Kabarole information about the with the Uganda Muslim and Bunyangabu Districts deadly coronavirus. Supreme Council in Old (Western Uganda), and Kampala and the Office all nine districts in Lango According to the Nile Post, of the Supreme Mufti in Region.”-AMREF Uganda. MTN Uganda also allocated Kibuli. Just before that, media space worth UGX they had donated at least AMREF also trained health 316 million to the Ministry UGX 41million to the workers of all cadres, of Health to run the Kasese flood victims and including a total of 336 much needed COVID-19 later on donated a boat to Village Health Teams communication across Kiyindi Landing Site. (VHTs), on infection- different media platforms. prevention and control. In The giving in this period Arua District for example, They noted that in order was characterized by a porous border region to facilitate the free flow meeting needs on a case that hosts 120,000 refugees of information, MTN by case basis. Not all these from neighbouring South zero-rated the Ministry instances being televised Sudan; a total of 136 VHTs of Health website to or broadcast. The giving were trained to work with enable people get timely that was not marred with AMREF to install ‘tippy- information without the bureaucracy or linked to taps’ in communities and need for data. MTN was any political setting. refugee settlements where among the companies that access to clean drinking donated cars and food to water was limited, along the National Task Force. with providing soap and disinfectants. Like many companies and organisations, MTN too, As noted in our first started giving directly to report, when the country the intended communities. started registering cases In partnership with Salam of COVID-19, MTN set up a Foundation, MTN donated fully equipped call center foodstuff worth over UGX 12 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Anonymous Donor Airtel Uganda staff MTN Uganda UGX 100 Million donated a sum of donated 6,120 ($27,000) UGX72 million packs of sanitary ($19,400) for the pads, UGX41 The Sri Lankan procurement of ($11,000) Million Community in PPE for the health to the Kasese Uganda donated workers at the flood victims, an automatic border points of and UGX 100 disinfection Elegu, Mutukula, Million ($27,000) chamber which Malaba, and Busia to the Muslim has been installed districts. community. MTN at the Ministry also donated of Health Head The staff of another ambulance Quarters in support the Uganda and emergency of the COVID-19 Registration response boat response. Services Bureau to the Kiyindi donated UGX22 Seed Global Health Landing Site million ($5,900) partnered with the to improve from their personal Ministry of Health emergency salaries. and trained 180 response amidst frontline health The staff of the current health workers at Mulago, the Uganda crisis caused by Butabika, and Registration the Covid-19 Kiruddu hospitals Services Bureau pandemic. in COVID19 case donated UGX22 MTN continues management, million ($5,900) to support the continuity of from their personal COVID-19 essential health salaries. response via services and communication, infection control The Government call center agents and prevention. of Denmark and equipment, gave additional logistical support financial support for surveillance, of $1,000,000 and case (UGX 3.7 billion) management teams to the Ministry of among others. Health to support the COVID-19 response.

13 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Fountain Pearl Dairy Farm AMREF Uganda Publishers Ltd, Limited donated donated an donated a total of liquid milk worth assortment of 47,000 textbooks UGX345 million Personal Protective worth UGX 354 ($93,100). Wear worth UGX25 million ($95,500). million ($6,748). The textbooks https://amref. include science, Amagara Skincare org/uganda/ mathematics, LTD donated hand success-stories/ English and social sanitizers worth bunyangabu-dis- studies, and others UGX2 Million trict-received-per- of 10 different ($540) towards sonal-protective- local languages to the COVID-19 equipment-worth- benefit learners at response. ugx-25-million- the primary level. Seven Doctors App support-health- Bethany Women partnered with the team-fight-poor- and Family Ministry of Health sanitation-covid- Hospital donated to provide free 19-district/ UGX10 million consultation with a ($2,700) cash. doctor, health tips, Toyota Uganda Ltd and prescriptions to donated a truck UNDP donated those that needed valued at UGX225 technological such support. million ($60,700), equipment UGX20 million worth USD 1.4 Indo Bali cash ($5,400), and million (UGX Distributors Ltd 6.5 tons of maize 5.2 billion); these donated sanitary flour worth UGX15 include laptops, pads worth UGX5 million ($4,050). cameras, display million ($1,350) screens, video and financial conferencing donation of UGX5 systems, and million. drones, among other equipment. 14 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

African Initiative Cho King BAPS Charities for Relief and International Uganda in Development Construction conjunction donated UGX50 Company donated with Prayosha million ($13,500). 200 blankets. Group and POA Tanks donated food items, water Islamic University Roke Telkom tanks, and hand in Uganda (IUIU) donated UGX20 sanitizer worth announced a million ($5,400). UGX 61,625,000 donation of items ($16,600). worth UGX 31 Prudential UGX million ($8,300) 300 million Technology to the COVID-19 towards relief food Associates Uganda National Taskforce. ($80,000) donated UGX75 million ($20,200). 15 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chronicles of Giving by Companies and Individuals ife as we knew it changed. Lawrence Muyomba explored websites to provide free access LThe world became Public-private partnerships to health tips. This included virtual, and whilst seeking between ISPs and government free access to the Ministry of out philanthropy stories, we agencies, beginning with the Health and WHO websites made found that giving in the virtual toll-free center for the line possible without any charge on space had increased as well. ministry. data fees, an initiative that MTN While this was viewed as more would later join. of a financial move than a “Major Telecommunication philanthropic move, we still companies automated He further explained that the view the decision for print coronavirus prevention scramble to fill the education media to give content free of messages as ringtones and gap was also evident as charge, a huge step. periodically send unsolicited institutions of learning were Vision Group put all its content, pandemic control text messages closed and children sent back even the usually priced one, to their customers,” he stated. home. Both Airtel and MTN online. “Different service providers introduced a package on It created content just for the have further introduced data homeschooling free of charge. pandemic and alerted the public packages as incentives to MTN Uganda provided free each time it was published. their customers during the access to 17 learning sites called Papers like The Daily Monitor pandemic.” “Learn from Home” for those and New Vision, which even in without internet connectivity. their digital form, cost UGX 2000 Muyombo spoke about MTN- (0.54 cents), were given out for Uganda’s work from home data Keeping in mind that the free. The Ministry of Health had bundle, which saw people pay government of Uganda publicly a toll-free call center within the just a mere UGX 2000 to access announced intentions of very first weeks that the first the internet from 9:00am- collaborating with different coronavirus case was reported. 5:00pm. MTN explained that this telecommunication companies was to enable its customers to to use mobile phones to track In an article https://www. conduct business while at home. the location of over 2,000 unwantedwitness.org/covid- The company also suspended suspected coronavirus contacts, 19-uganda-internet-service- charges on Mobile Money the continued pertinent providers-join-the-battle- transactions of up to UGX contribution of philanthropy but-key-concerns-remain/ 30,000 ($8) for 30 days. in the technological or exploring the internet’s place virtual workspace is critically in the fight against the virus, According to Muyombo, as important. Unwanted Witness told of MTN gave offers, Airtel Uganda the various offers. The writer, partnered with a number of 16 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

A Donation for the Tour Guides A cash donation of UGX 17.2 (IGCP), Dr. Andrew Seguya, million ($4,600) was handed “That means these people are Dennis Ntege of Raft Uganda, over to the Uganda Tour and going to be very desperate in the and Isa Kato from Pristine Safari Guides Association by villages and millions of people Tours. Kato said that many Friends of Tourism. While are going to lose opportunities tourism businesses had not handing over the cash at because tourism is not just just lost old bookings but did an event in Kampala, Lydia lodges,” he said. not have a single new booking Nandudu, the coordinator of According to Nandudu who beyond the lockdown. Ntege the Tourism Private Sector manages Nkuringo Safaris & expressed concern that this Task Force, said the money was Lodges, the lockdown caused a would only get worse as no meant to help the guides survive loss of livelihood for the guides one knew just how long the the lockdown. who depend on a thriving lockdown would last. tourism sector. Indeed, market analysts argue The funding grant to boost that tourism has been the worst “When lodges and tour the tourism sector was given hit by the global lockdown companies lost business, the to three major tour guide as many lodges and tour most affected were tour guides associations: Uganda Safari companies were forced to close – the backbone of the tourism Guides Association which business for several months business,” she told the online received UGX 3.2 million, now. Speaking at the beginning site Africa Tembelea. Freelance and Jinja Rafting of Uganda’s lockdown, tourism Guides received UGX 4.5 enthusiast, Amos Wekesa said At the event, Nandudu was million, and the Tour Guides that the tour operators were accompanied by the Executive Forum Uganda (TGFU), UGX 9.5 laying off up to 70% of their Secretary of the Greater Virunga million. employees. Transboundary Collaboration 17 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Delivering much-needed Insulin hen the ban on public What that meant, however, was that the patients’ health could Wtransport was introduced, that the second diabetic patient easily get critical in a matter of a trained social worker, Ivan would also need his insulin hours. Okoth, foresaw the worst for replaced in just a few days. Ivan diabetic patients in need of a narrated how the predicament Together with colleagues from daily dose of insulin. Until the led to his giving initiative. the Sonia Nabeta Foundation, lockdown, his time at the Sonia they thought of a bigger, faster, Nabeta Foundation working At that point, he had started and better way to deliver the with Type 1 Diabetic (T1D) receiving calls from other essentials. They succeeded patients had seen him deliver patients (whom he refers to as in the delivery of the insulin the much-needed daily insulin warriors), looking to get their by boda-boda (a motorcycle- with ease. insulin refilled. taxi), an initiative that will be taken on permanently by the As anticipated, a few days Ivan knew he had to do Foundation. into the lockdown, he got a something or risk losing his call from a T1D patient who warriors. “Since there was a ban “The plan for the future is to lived in a municipality outside on all public transport, the only extend this boda-boda project Kampala. She was out of option was to repair my bicycle and develop a network of insulin and was worried that and ride to the two warriors who delivery of these supplies to the she would not make it through had first reached out,” he says. warriors who already incur a the day. Quickly, he reached Once he made his first delivery, lot of expenses on transport,” he out to another T1D in the same the calls increased and soon, said. municipality who agreed to they became more than he could share part of his stock. manage. What worried him is 18 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

The Engineer Disinfecting Entebbe’s Hospital and Police Stations hen The Independent as part of my contribution to inspired by the Christian notion Wmagazine first ran a story the fight against this virus,” to put faith into action, as well https://www.independent. Nsibirwa explained. as it being a personal honour to co.ug/tag/semu-nsibirwa/ of serve his country. a good Samaritan disinfecting To do this, he approached the Entebbe Regional Referral management of the Entebbe “A journey of 1,000 miles starts Hospital, the major hospital hospital and Entebbe police with a single step. It has truly treating COVID-19 patients in stations, which are also part been an honour every single Uganda, and police stations in of the rapid response and day I have stood with the health Entebbe District, we took note. surveillance teams, and team to help our country fight Semu Nsibirwa, an ICT Engineer presented his offer on March COVID-19. It is a war out here, and the proprietor of Mobile 25. Each day of disinfection but we will win it in the precious Computers LTD, a software and of the hospital and police name of Jesus,” he says. hardware store on Kampala stations, Nsibirwa spent UGX Impressed by Nsibirwa’s selfless Road started this exercise when 150,000 (USD 40) on fuel and gesture, Dickson Mushabe, Uganda confirmed its first disinfectants like Jik bleach and founder of an online fundraising COVID-19 case in March. liquid Dettol soap. He has done platform, Dolphin Fund called this a few days each week for on many to support him, and “When the first COVID-19 about three months now. they did. Dolphin Fund donated patient was admitted at Entebbe UGX 332,000 (USD 89) to Hospital, I drove to Entebbe The 45-year-old told media Nsibirwa’s initiative to disinfect from Kampala every day to outlets that the decision to the Entebbe Regional Referral provide disinfection services spend personal resources was Hospital. 19 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Rotarian Donates Food for Families Surviving On Banana Peels

video of two families in dire peels was heartbreaking. women hopeful in spite of the Aneed of food made rounds dire situation. “I found them on social media. Two single Like many, Rotarian Muweesi very pleasant; all they needed mothers and their children had Charles-Lwanga was touched by was support; they were very been reduced to eating boiled the women’s predicament and welcoming,” he says. banana peels after the lockdown decided to do something about rendered them jobless. “I just it. They delivered an assortment watched this video and cried. of food stuff and soap to the These women and their children He said that apart from being a mothers. eat banana peels for survival,” Rotarian who has understands Ivan Wanyama first wrote on his the importance of giving, he As a believer in philanthropy, Facebook wall. is also a farmer who grew up Muweesi further explains the knowing that in Uganda, banana concept of giving: “Giving is Journalists from Salt Media peels are used as animal feed. from the heart, no one will ever explored the story a little more “Seeing mothers give peels to give enough. and found that in spite of the their children in broad daylight, Government’s food distribution hurt. I got teary and quickly Such cases are common in our exercise in Makindye, a suburb reached out to my good friends daily peripheries, therefore all in Kampala City where the like Brother Augustine Mugabo those who can give anything, families live, government (Head teacher of St Henry’s however little, should give to officials had not reached them. College Kitovu), to see what those who need it.” He quickly could be done for these ladies,” adds, “There is no better The reality of the dire need of he said. satisfaction in life than seeing the crying mother left to feed another person happy.” her children boiled banana He was surprised to find the 20 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Remembering those in Rehabilitation Homes

Proseed, a financial beyond answering the call by Church of Uganda Maganjo and Etechnology company, the President to donate food and Kawempe Mothers Ward. donated food to vulnerable other essential items to support A representative of Katalemwa children and women many the needy persons during the Children’s Rehabilitation Home of whom had not received on-going COVID-19 pandemic, expressed gratitude to eProseed government relief food. The the company specifically also for reaching out to them, noting Sunrise Newspaper was present wanted the aid to go to patients that the donation was timely and told the story. in rehabilitation homes and since no entity had reached out hospitals. to them to provide food relief During the event, Dr. Jingo from the start of the lockdown. Robinson, the Country Partner With that in mind, eProseed’s of eProseed, presented a officials decided that their consignment of food consisting assistance should go to four of four tonnes of maize flour beneficiaries: Nsambya Babies and one ton of rice and sugar. Home, Katalemwa Children He told the Newspaper that Rehabilitation Centre, St. Apollo 21 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

MY FABULOUS home land saving scheme

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https://twitter.com/Comrade_Otoa/ status/1269642827149062144 22 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

The Arts Scene

he community of the arts didn’t disappoint. The message Atukwasize Christagon- aka Twas also a beneficiary to shifted from alerting the public Ogon, mastered the art of satire this giving. Specifically, though, about the virus to re-echoing to skillfully weave his message most of the giving came from some of the concerns. Some and voice the issues around singers and artistes themselves. delved into the details of the COVID-19. The Observer’s Most of the music written on impact of the disease and Cartoonist, Dr. Jimmy Spire COVID-19 was released in the tactfully helped demystify Ssentongo, also through his first month of the lockdown and myths about the virus. writing and cartoons brought was documented in our first Katoto, a cartoon character to light the challenges found volume. Through the regional created from the hills of within government’s quarantine curations, Northern Uganda was Kabale, was reborn during the centers. found to have had more songs pandemic. He showed up to tell released about the virus than the public about a COVID-19 If it was not in a song, the any other region. Health App, which would save creatives put their thoughts in There was a definite many a trip to a health facility or either a piece of art or poetry. digitilisation of how artists help avoid showing up when it is Here is a poem by renowned perform and present their too late. poet, Sam J. Ssemaganda, which music. Delivered with wit and has made rounds during this comforting humor, the creatives The Daily Monitor cartoonist, pandemic: 23 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Dear life, If I never hear from my Italian friend again, I’ll know it’s you; Together with your new girlfriend, COVID-19 I hope this finds you in time You’re quite busy lately, no time.

The speed at which you run out of us What’s with the rush? The dead silence, ghost towns in Italy Everyone is gone, most gone forever The cries in USA, UK, Africa, China, Iran Is that music for your morning run? The tears and misery in Spain What’s you’re gain in our pain?

I’m talking to you, life I heard a man dying, begging you; “Please spare my kids and wife” But who pissed you off in China Was it really in China? My house is now an open prison Every morning I open the door But nowhere to go.

I know I have taken you for granted; We’ve only cared about material trumpet Treated fellow humans like trash Got drunk on arrogance; life with a plash Now here we’re stuck with all our cash But death won’t stop dragging us onto its bus Please, let’s talk; I think you’ve had enough fun I know you want to run But let’s walk And now that you’ve ignored my calls I hope you read this when you find a minute I hope it won’t be too late! Regards, Human!

- Poem by Sam J. Ssemaganda 24 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

A-Pass in a Musical Sensitization

side from his collaborations done during the pandemic, the singer A-Pass released a song, on Athe coronavirus, as a solo artist. Singing in his emblem style, English, Patois, and a few lyrics in Luganda, A-Pass delivered a melodious tune talking about the impact of the virus in his song dubbed the Coronavirus song.

The usually controversial A-Pass urged people to protect themselves by washing their hands, emphasizing that this to be best known way to protect one’s self as the disease spreads faster when hygiene is not maintained.

In the song, he re-echoed the ‘stay-at-home’ guidelines by government and implored everyone to abide by them to avoid the spread of the virus. Written and produced by A-Pass himself, with a few beats from the renowned audio expert, Herbert Skillz, the song garnered a lot of airplay on the national scene. 25 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 2

Universities: Giving Cash, Innovations, Skills, And Information

When news of the novel coronavirus broke, many universities in Uganda, both private and public got to work. To date, one of the biggest testing facilities is at Makerere, the country’s largest and oldest university.

In this section, we highlight the contributions by some of these institutions of higher learning towards the fight against COVID-19. 26 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Guiding the Lockdown Process

t a press conference held on 16th-June-2020 is also the Principal of the College of Natural Aat Makerere University, a research team from Sciences, Makerere University. Other members various universities led by Makerere University of the team are Dr. Juliet Nakakawa Nsumba presented a report. Named the Mathematical (Makerere University), Dr. Joseph Ssebuliba Model of COVID-19 dynamics in Uganda: Using (Makerere University) Dr. Amos Ssematimba a locally parameterised system to enhance (Gulu University), and Dr. Cliff Richard Kikawa intervention policies, it was timely. (Kabale University).

The aim of the research from which the model The Vice-Chancellor - Makerere University, is developed was to study the dynamics of Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, and the Deputy COVID-19 in Uganda and use the results to Vice-Chancellor –Academic Affairs, Associate provide a comprehensive forecast of the disease’s Professor Umar Kakumba attended the press trends. The model endeavours to provide conference. appropriate evidence-based policy support to the government on the timing and nature of intervention measures.

The research team that worked on the study was led by Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha, a Professor of Bio-Mathematics (Department of Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences). Professor Mugisha IUIU Donates University Innovations

created Automated Hands-free do, by employing an automated Dispenser (AHfD), 200 wearable dispensing mechanism that 3D face shields, and 400 litres of utilises proximity sensors to instant hand sanitizer. decide when to open or close the taps automatically.” Dr. Sengendo explained that the AHfD prototype innovated in The University also recently March 2020, was a research idea innovated the wearable 3D of two ICT students looking to face shield that is reusable and help fight the pandemic. easy to clean or disinfect. Dr. “These dispensers minimise Sengendo explained that unlike he Islamic University in contact with potentially the ordinary cloth masks, this TUganda (IUIU) announced contaminated surfaces during specific one is very convenient a donation of items worth the hand sanitisation process. to use because it allows enough UGX 31 million ($8,300) to the oxygen through it and is COVID-19 National Taskforce. The AHfD also minimizes water compact enough to protect the Among the items handed over wastage as the user draws just user from contracting the virus. by the University Rector, Dr. enough water required to wash Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, their hands without opening “The wearable 3D face shield were 5 sets of the recently or closing as conventional taps is transparent enough but also 27 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

hard enough to shield the user instant hand sanitizers, some Analysis Research laboratory from any possible droplets of which were donated to the (MARL), located at its Kampala carrying the coronavirus,” he National Task Force. Campus. These include the emphasized. Besides, the AHfD Coin Counting Machine, the and wearable 3D face shield, The University has Automated Green House, IUIU, through its Department continuously developed several Pothole Detector, among others. of Pharmacology also produced innovations from their Motion

Kabale University goes Above and Beyond

abale University is located between Kabale University and funding are constrained. Kin the inter-border region (KAB) and Kabale Regional between Uganda, Rwanda and Referral Hospital (KRRH), the Kabale University provided Democratic Republic of Congo hospital serves as the teaching UGX 72 Million ($19,400) to (DRC) which is a high-risk hospital for Kabale University renovate the Intensive Care region. Given the porous nature School of Medicine (KABSOM). Unit (ICU) which would be of the borders where cases of used as the treatment center, in the people affected have been The hospital facilities are used case of any patients during the reported, the region required for the teaching of medical current national fight against an increased vigilance in students in addition to the the coronavirus pandemic. The preparedness. normal health delivery systems. hospital has been operating Supporting the renovation of without an Intensive Care The Kabale District Task Force existing facilities falls within the Unit facility. KAB contractors (DTF) and the Regional Referral strategic goals and aspirations executed the works. Hospital identified key urgent of creating a conducive areas that were to be addressed environment for medical This intervention was identified to reach the expected level training by the university and as a priority area, by the District of preparedness, should an fulfills the national Government Task Force, in consultation outbreak of the coronavirus objectives, especially within the with the leadership of Kabale occur in the region. Under a current environment where the Regional Referral Hospital memorandum of understanding Government health systems (KRRH). Following the 28 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

renovation, the region of University also responded Kabale District Task Force. Kigezi will be prepared to to the call of the President This van has continued take on coronavirus patients, of Uganda, by individually to serve within Kabale as well as to care for other contributing UGX 3.3 million Municipal Council, running medical needs of those ($890) towards the fund to errands, and aiding those who patients who require critical fight COVID-19. This money need emergency transfers to care. was given to the 7 districts hospitals, such as pregnant in the region of Kigezi, by mothers. A university driver The ICU will continue to depositing it at selected petrol is permanently on standby. play a role beyond the stations to enable the District COVID-19 pandemic and will Task Force have access to fuel. Kabale University has also further provide important pledged to work with Kabale infrastructure for medical Each district received a Regional Referral Hospital to student training for the minimum of 150 litres for fundraise for the following university. emergency vehicles. This additional essentials: would enable them to have Thirty (30) staff members transport available for • Generator for the ICU – of Kabale University School emergency cases, including UGX 55 million ($14,800) of Medicine joined the rest women in labour and all • Renovation of the Isolation of the health professionals those constrained by other Operation Theatre – UGX 20 in the region to provide ailments. Million ($5,400) CCTV system expertise as and when As soon as the Government for the ICU – UGX 10 million needed. Six senior members of Uganda embarked on ($2,700) of KABSOM are part of the the process of averting the • Mobile C-arm X-ray Unit for Kabale District Task Force, possible spread of COVID-19 the Isolation Ward-- UGX 85 serving on the different across the country, Kabale million ($22,900) committees. The university University gave 259 fuel to • CT Scan for the ICU – UGX 2 was also on standby to the Kabale District Task billion ($540,000) mobilize and deploy at least Force and 50 litres of fuel to 15 more health workers if Rubanda District Task Force. need arises. In addition, a university 14-seater van was The general staff of Kabale immediately available to the 29 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 3

Women And Giving

We have watched in total admiration as women contribute to the Ugandan giving scene during the pandemic. Some gave food and cash, time and skills, anything to ensure life was a little easier especially for fellow women. In this section, we bring you the stories of these women who gave as individuals and through organisations. 30 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Standing up for the Woman during COVID-19

fforts by Uganda Women’s Network’s accordance with human rights standards. E(UWONET) to ensure that the plight of the As soon as the government released guidelines Ugandan woman is not forgotten during the on prevention of the coronavirus, UWONET pandemic has been notable. UWONET addressed addressed the need to secure and avail basic the fact that more women who, compared to men, hygiene supplies for handwashing with soap have disproportionately insecure labour based and water, as the basic doable policy to combat on menial and very temporary income, were hit COVID-19. hardest by the economic impacts of COVID-19. This was the reality that most women faced in UWONET brought together stakeholders on 14th- Uganda, who take the brunt of responsibility May-2020 to discuss a gender-sensitive approach to raise and feed children. UWONET sought to to service delivery during the pandemic. ensure that business responses to COVID-19 do not exacerbate gender inequality in the UWONET also called for the strengthening of workplace, marketplace, and community. a gender-sensitive responsive service delivery post COVID-19. Present at the discussion was When women vendors were beaten by security Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Gender, operatives claiming to be following the Labour and Social Development, Hon. Winnie President’s lockdown directives, UWONET raised Kiiza, the Woman Member of Parliament, Kasese, their voice and pointed out this violation of Hon. Norbert Mao, President of Democratic Party women’s rights. The use of excessive force against and Ms Bireete Sarah, the Executive Director civilians in Kampala, particularly women street Center for Constitutional Governance. vendors by security forces whose mandate is to serve, defend, and protect all Ugandans was UWONET Secretariat collected a total of UGX15 unlawful, unprofessional, unfortunate, and million ($4,050) towards the purchase of Personal unacceptable! UWONET demanded that the Protective Equipment for health workers. perpetrators should be held accountable. UWONET provided the following donations delivered to the Secretariat: Women’s Right’s organisations quickly recommended that human rights and gender • Gloves (medium) - 90 packets or 4,500 pairs perspectives be central to all COVID-19 • Gloves (large) - 90 packets or 4,500 pairs responses, such as the lockdowns, quarantine • Thermometers – 10 periods, and other efforts to flatten the COVID-19 • Face masks - 60 packets or 3,000 masks curve, and should be carried out in strict • Sanitizers (500ml) - 100 bottles 31 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Maxensia Takes Action in Lubaga Division

response into the already during the lockdown. They existing project funded by continued to identify HIV/AIDS Aids Healthcare Foundation clients and other chronically ill (AHF). As was the norm during people who had not been able the lockdown, they channeled to reach their respective health activities through the Rubaga centres for monthly refills of Division COVID-19 Task Force. medication, and arranged for Awareness programs on medication to be obtained. They COVID-19 were included to help also assisted pregnant mothers identify possible cases to be to access antenatal care during referred to the Rubaga Division the lockdown. COVID-19 Task Force. This would also alleviate possible The organization provided contact with their clients so foodstuffs to 200 families as to prevent concomitant of people living with HIV/ infection. AIDS, lactating and expecting mothers, the elderly, and or the past seventeen years, This was done through people with disabilities. They Maxensia Takirambule F increased screening and identified people who had Nakibuuka has been testing for COVID-19, by missed their appointments and championing philanthropy. setting up testing using those who had not been taking infrared thermometers. drugs and got them back on Through Lungujja Community Luckily, no positive case their treatment. Health Caring Organisation, she was found. They treated has been offering treatment and those with coronavirus-like In the period May-June, they support to individuals, families, symptoms and helped counsel arranged for mediation for 24 and communities affected by the survivors discharged clients. They counseled more and infected with HIV/AIDS in back into the community than 50 people with different Rubaga Division, Kampala City. with guidelines on social social problems and mediated It did not come as a surprise distancing or quarantining in many families with domestic therefore that she chose to take as was appropriate for each violence. Sadly, Nakibuuka action during the coronavirus- case. They also helped the reckons that there is so much induced lockdown in Uganda. community understand the need for psycho-social support essence of hygiene and constant for those affected by the When the pandemic broke sanitization while providing lockdown. “Many people lost out, the Lungujja Community handwashing cans and masks to jobs and loved ones during the Health Caring Organisation women in markets. lockdown. We also have sick, immediately set about unemployed people with no mitigating the impact that the In addition to introducing a hope, we have children stuck at COVID-19 restrictions would COVID-19 project, they made home and yet families have no have on their clients with HIV/ sure their clients living with food,” she said. AIDS. They incorporated this HIV/AIDS were not forgotten 32 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

A Landlady from Heaven

t the beginning of the lockdown, Faridah that she would be evicted, she was in a difficult AKwagala sent a text message to her tenants position. That was when Achipa requested for in Namugongo, a suburb in Kiira Municipality, a break in one-months’ rent from the landlady. Kampala District. It read: “I understand what you After a few weeks of this gracious incident, the are going through. Don’t pay me until one month same landlady, Kwagala, had fresh food from her after the lockdown is lifted.” own garden delivered to Achipa’s house:

Two months later, one of her tenants, Marion “I got two bunches of matooke, about half a Achipa could not stop talking about her sack of fresh beans, sweet potatoes, onions, and landlady’s generosity. “I am a temporary tomatoes,” she recalls. It has been two months worker at an institution, there is no way I could now since Marion last paid rent. While many have raised three hundred thousand shillings sadly stay (Approximately $80) to pay my landlady during up at night this lockdown,” she said. When the lockdown worried began, Achipa, a single mother of two, had only about rent saved up for one month. She thought that the first arrears, her two weeks were the longest the country would be landlady has on lockdown. She, like many, was wrong. told her that she will only “In two weeks, I was down to nothing; I was pay for the months after the lockdown. “God sent choosing between food and electricity. We were this lady into my life; I have never seen anyone having just one meal a day,” she recalls. Scared with a heart like this,” Marion said.

Brenda Sekabembe: A Baker to the Rescue

renda Sekabembe is mostly known for her Tuesday 26th May 2020 was a normal day for me Bcakes. During the lockdown, however, she until 7 pm when I sat down to watch Amasengejje took on a philanthropist role, one that would news on NBS Television. The evening news see her fundraise for a mother whose world was carried a story of a sad woman, Berna Nakalema, crumbling. In the end, she raised UGX3 million a resident of the Wakiso town council. Her son ($800) for the mother. She used her online and major breadwinner of the family had lent his presence to start this campaign. Her story is below: motorcycle to a policeman to use. It was returned without fuel and the officer refused to pay him UGX 4,000 (just about $1 and 5 cents) as per their agreement. Their argument turned into a scuffle that resulted in him being beaten thoroughly. Eyewitnesses added that the policeman called a colleague who came with a gun that ended Berna’s son’s life with a single shot.

She narrated her story on NBS TV, breaking down at intervals as she wiped her tears. The deceased left a wife and a two months old baby who are now under Berna’s care. Her only source of income is 33 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

a small vegetable stall at Wakiso market where on the police to release the motorcycle when the she sells tomatoes and onions. She has four other murder case is concluded. children to take care of. This story bothered Brenda for the rest of the week, probably because she too is a gunshot survivor. She had mortgaged her house to get a bank loan She kept putting herself in Berna’s shoes. That’s that enabled them to purchase the motorcycle, how she knew she had to do something for Berna. and since the incident, there was no way of meeting the monthly instalments, and yet there Brenda used her Facebook page to make an appeal, was an outstanding debt of 2 million, to be paid to through which she raised money to support Berna the sellers of the motorcycle. to help both buy food, as well as pay the debt for the motorcycle. Berna is still waiting for justice for The strain on her has been great, while she waits her murdered son.

Namboka is helping Female Vendors Raise Capital

er passion for women’s rights is unequivocal. one of you has given them financial support, I say HHer commitment to addressing the female thank you so much,” she notes when a donation is vendor’s plight remains unmatched. Esther made. Namboka is often found wherever and whenever Namboka speaks on behalf of the vendors whose issues of the female vendors are being discussed. dignity she fights to represent as being deserving It, therefore, did not come as a surprise that she of the capital, and greatly appreciates the funders would stand for and remind all about the female to this initiative. For example, a woman vendor, vendor’s plight during the lockdown. whose son was recently electrocuted in their She started a fundraising drive to raise modest incomplete shanty house, will receive UGX capital for the vendors who had since the lockdown 100,000 ($27) startup capital. This was been made possible by Harriet Generosa who donated UGX 135,000 ($36); with the 35,000 (about $9) going towards another woman. She also tells a story of a vendor who despite getting government food, still needed help getting back on her feet and being able to meet her family’s financial needs. “This woman was stuck at home with no capital. She received food from the Government but it all got finished because she has children. She also struggles to educate her children,” she explains. In explaining and accounting for every donation, Namboka’s fundraising efforts have attracted over UGX 1million ($270) in donations, with being found themselves without any income. Namboka anonymous donors. ensured that every donation is acknowledged, and every shilling accounted for. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid= 3349851988371796&id=100000410846407&com- “My joy and happiness cannot be defined in words. ment_id=3349909321699396¬if_t=comment_men- When I see the women vendors smile because each tion¬if_id=1591628953875231&ref=m_notif 34 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

The People Power Women’s Wing Delivers

tanding with fists up, the People Power that contributed to this cause, which gave hope SWomen’s Wing District Coordinator Flavia and courage to the people of Buliisa District. Kalule Nabagebe announced their donation to the flood victims Kasese and Buliisa District. The In Kasese, the group celebrated donations from donations, specifically towards women affected Mutima Gwa People Power (People Power’s heart). by floods, were handed over to the People Power The donations included: 120 plates, 20 jerrycans Coordinators of Buliisa District led by the Team (10litres each), and 420 cups. Leaders Angalia Godwin, and Grace Asiimwe.

The donations included Mama Kits, sanitary There is still need for the following items that are towels (including reusable towels and underwear), being collected: Mama Kits, sanitary towels and soap, beddings (blankets, bedcovers, bed sheets, mosquito nets, amongst other necessities. This and mattresses), children’s clothes, bags, shoes, donation came after a deliberate fundraising drive plates, cups, jerrycans, and basins. to ensure the mothers and girls in the two districts affected by floods, had supplies for their basics. They thanked the various groups and individuals 35 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 4

Giving By The Faith Community In The Time of Covid-19 36 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

hen the Muslim distribution. distribute food door to door. Wcommunity was fasting, the Inter-Religious Council “As the Inter-Religious Part of the distribution of Uganda (IRCU) donated Council of Uganda, we want happened in the slums food to them. They then to help all Ugandans. We ask were living conditions were sought out the taxi drivers whoever wants to make a shocking, with some youths who were out of work and donation or any assistance to living in houses without made food donations to bring it to the churches and doors. In some cases, there the Taxi Association. The mosques for distribution, were no access roads through Muslim community started as some few countries have the slums, and these had to a fundraising drive to help religious leaders assigned to be reached by the foot-men raise food for all those in distribute food,” he told the carrying food supplies for dire need across the country. PML Daily site. miles, from laden trucks Upon hearing the frustration parked at the parish police of the slow distribution of Bishop Joshua Lwere, who station. food across the country, the represents IRCU on the Muslim Council volunteered COVID-19 Taskforce, said Over and above the IRCU, the to help with food distribution all food donations would be religious leaders arranged as well. handed over to the Uganda for donations from their National Bureau of Standards own congregations and Speaking at the launch of to be checked before communities, and supported the campaign at St. James distribution by the churches this cause through the use of Church of Uganda Masajja and mosques. their structures and networks on the outskirts of Kampala, Musa Ecweru, the State to help locate and get food to an online journal, PML Daily, Minister for Disaster the most vulnerable and to all quoted Sheikh Ramathan Preparedness, thanked that needed it. This support Mubajje, the Chairman of the religious leaders for was invaluable as grassroots IRCU, to say that he had met joining in the distribution structures are deeply linked the President and together exercise, following President to their religious affiliations. agreed to join the food Museveni’s directive to 37 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Christian Life Center Gives

astor Jackson Ssenyonga, founder of the able to reach, as CLC had been doing prior to the PChristian Life Church (CLC), in Makerere, lockdown. launched the first phase of the relief distribution from his church as reported by New Vision CLC donated items worth UGX 300 Million (https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1519164/ ($80.000), like food, soap, and sugar, among other pastor-ssenyonga-donates-relief-food-worth- items, to its congregants. Ssenyonga said the sh300m). church was to distribute food to different parts of Kampala under the guidance of the National Task Force, with the support of the Local Councils and the National Pastor’s Alliance of Uganda to identify those in their communities that needed food relief.

Even if a ban on physical gathering stopped church attendance, he noted that more followers than before had joined his online broadcasts, because the church meetings and messages are being broadcast on different media platforms. At the event held on 20th- May-2020, Pastor Ssenyonga said the church was put in place Sanyu Muwanguzi, a resident of Bwaise was to rehabilitate and help people. He pledged to grateful to CLC that supported and provided for continue supporting even the hard to reach them during the hard lockdown times. She also people in need, by making use of Mobile Money applauded the National Task Force that provided deposits to reach those that supplies may not be them with relief food.

Uganda Muslim Brothers and Sisters Dismiss Myths

section of the Muslim community in We believe in multi-pronged public health AUganda took a stand to correct any promotion. Most people tend to believe in those mis-information or myths surrounding the they respect and adore more than experts. We coronavirus. A statement was released feel it is important to pay attention, to make and circulated across different sure you use proper hygiene, and to stay healthy. Muslim platforms. It read: It is important to remain diligent.

Assalamu Alaikum. It is important to do research. It is also For the past few days, we have seen important to think deeply about what you post a varied opinion on the coronavirus. on Facebook because both positive and negative waves make ripples. Outside Uganda, many The reality is that this virus is real and people have indeed recovered from coronavirus. very contagious. It is also true that healthcare systems in Most nations around the world are taking the early affected areas are overwhelmed. drastic measures- so should Uganda. We Precautions are necessary to slow down the encourage you to ignore and delete all social expansion of this virus. media posts that nullify or down play the existence of COVID-19, and know that it is a very real pandemic with life-threatening effects. 38 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Catholic Church Gives and Cautions Against Myths

ganda’s Catholic Church donated five tonnes In his remarks, Bishop Zziwa appealed to Ugandans Uof maize flour and five tonnes of beans to the against being complacent with the COVID-19 COVID-19 National Taskforce. Online journal, pandemic and cautioned against indulging in PML Daily captured the events of the day that myths. He said it was time to put to an end to the happened on the 5th- May-2020. (https://www. notion that COVID-19 is not a disease for Africans. pmldaily.com/news/2020/05/covid-19-update- Even worse was the myth that the virus is not catholic-church-donates-to-national-covid-19- in Uganda, a rumour that will put Ugandans at taskforce.html). greater risk.

The donations were handed over to the Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, in Kampala by the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Anthony Zziwa, along with the Secretary-General, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta and Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, the Head of Laity in Uganda. Dr. Ruganda hailed the Catholic Church for this gesture, and called for widespread distribution of food all over the country, particularly to those in greatest need, throughout all diocese of Uganda.

The Latter-Day Church Giving

he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kampala, Jinja, and Gulu. The food was given to Tdonated food items to Ugandans affected by widows, the elderly, the sick, and single-parent the lockdown constraints including posho, rice, households first, then later to all else in need. matooke, beans, and sugar, to especially needy families. ‘

This was done in partnership with charities like Reach the Children Uganda, who helped identify those in dire need. The food was distributed across the Central, Eastern, and Northern Regions.

Many of the beneficiaries were in the more densely populated urban areas of Mbale, 39 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Watoto Church Giving

n the first phase of the lockdown, Watoto workers at the frontline against COVID-19, as IChurch Uganda, one of the largest churches in acknowledged by the Health of Ministry. the country, opened up phone lines for people Donations were also received through Watoto to seek mental health support. For counseling structures from alumni of the Watoto Homes, needs, an open phone line was set up. whose lives the church had invested in. Some For months now, the lines have been open to of the incredible Watoto graduates donated not just solve domestic disputes, but help the towards a contribution of maize flour that went depressed, lonely and scared to stay afloat and to their little brothers and sisters on the Watoto supported. Villages. The owner of Zambogo Maize Millers who supplied the flour, Duncan Mboga, is also a Watoto also contributed Personal Protective Watoto graduate. Equipment towards the safety of health 40 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 5 A Glance At The Giving Stories By Region Western Uganda 41 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

ike in the first volume our report, the Contribute and Restore Hope. Lgiving stories from Western Uganda mostly came from those giving to the In response to Hon. Kiiza’s call for flood victims in Kasese. Very many support, the following donations were families in Kasese have provided shelter made towards the Kasese disaster relief to people displaced by the floods. They fund: have taken in both those known to them and complete strangers as well. Before • Hon. Peace Mutuzo the Bunyangabu the world could react, the locals had District Woman Representative and State opened doors to mothers and children, Minister for Gender, Labour and Social and patiently waited with them until the Development donated relief food items. government organised the camps. • Three water bowsers from Hon. Beatrice Anywar, the Kitgum Municipality The Kasese Woman MP, Winnie Kiiza took Representative and State Minister for center stage in the fundraising process. Water and Environment, to help deliver MP Kiiza attracted donations from all clean and safe water to the displaced parts of Uganda, which saw the displaced people. people of Kasese District receiving basic • Private-sector donations to a tune of needs. UGX20 million ($5,400). • Relief items from Counsel Carol Achak In a bid to provide basic amenities to of Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates. thousands of persons displaced by the • Two relief mattress and clothing Kasese floods, Hon. Kiiza announced the items from Glamour Dry Cleaners that partnership with the Rwenzori Social were handed over to us by Ms. Olivia Justice Initiative to launch a fundraising Kemiyondo Akiiki.” drive under the theme, 42 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Clean Water for Kasese

When news of floods in Kasese District broke, circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.” Malteser International responded. Through their The organisation worried that the floods would Uganda office, they committed to ensuring clean only make the battle against COVID-19 even water for the affected people. Without a place to harder among the 30,000 displaced people who call home, they worried that the displaced people had since found themselves homeless. “This would be at risk of catching waterborne diseases. disaster could have major implications for the COVID-19 response in the area,” said Beutler. Laura Beutler, a Technical Coordinator for Malteser “Those displaced have been International in Uganda, forced to seek refuge in makeshift said: “The largest hospital in shelters where social distancing Kasese had to be evacuated, is practically impossible. The risk leaving people there without of COVID-19 spreading there is much-needed medical care. now high. To reduce the risk of We will be sending eight infection, Malteser International ambulances and a medical will be providing daily access to team in support of health clean water for up to 1,000 people facilities in the district. affected by the flooding. We will also be working with our partners A lack of urgent medical to provide information on safety care would be catastrophic, measures against the novel especially under the present coronavirus.” Food for the Marginalized Batwa Community

When the country went into lockdown, Kisoro they can get. Concern for Marginalised People Organisation, He further said that this was anticipated by a local organisation, sprung to action. With the organisation whose objective is to improve donations of up to 120 kilograms of beans, 200 the livelihood of the marginalized people and kilograms of maize flour, 40 bars of soap, and assisting them in becoming self-reliant people. a cartoon of salt, they reached out to over 50 “Kisoro Concern for Marginalised People families of the indigenous Batwa Community. Organisation is a community-based organization operating in the district of Kisoro, South Western Uganda,” he said. “We have been involved in organizing communities especially the indigenous minority people (Batwa), refugees, widows, street children, people infected with HIV/AIDS, orphans, and other vulnerable people in ensuring that they have a better life.”

During the lockdown, they continued to make sure that vulnerable communities, especially the little people in Nyakabande and Nyarusiza sub- Speaking during the handover of the items, Alex counties in Kisoro District had food and water. Nambajimana, the Director of the organisation The organization also helped ensure that the said that he was responding to a plea for food by indigenous people had all the information they the Batwa Community. The Batwa, he noted, are needed to prevent the virus which could easily known to seek jobs in people’s fields, but sadly the prove catastrophic to small communities like jobs have been scarce and they need all the help theirs. 43 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Community Settles Deceased Couple’s Outstanding Rental Arrears ecently, a couple died in a road accident COVID-19 situation, they raised UGX 870,000 Ron the Kabale-Kisoro highway. Hillary (234). Namanya, the Programs Manager of Rukundo International, a volunteer organization in Kabale Though the act by the landlord left many feeling District, and his wife Barbra Natukunda were really bad, the giving by the community at a going to attend a wedding when they got into the time when many were home without work, was accident and died. On the day of their burial, it humbling. In the end, they were able to get the was learned with utter shock, that the landlord couple’s property from the house and hand it had allegedly put a padlock on the couple’s door. over to their dependents.

He insisted that they should pay the UGX 750,000 ($202) owed him, even in death. No amount of pleading seemed to faze the landlord who threatened to take over the property in the house, despite the deceased being survived by minors. He insisted that the relatives of the deceased should pay the bill almost immediately.

An announcement was made during the burial to that effect. Though they had initially planned to give all the money raised towards the fallen couple’s dependents, the residents immediately started fundraising for the rent. Despite the grim

9-year-old Sells Rabbit and Donates Money

Primary Four pupil at Muhanga Golden mothers, are struggling to reach hospitals, so APrimary School donated UGX 7,000 (about I want this money to help them,” a beaming $2) to the Rukiga District COVID-19 Task Force. Ainomugisha said. At just nine years old, Timothy Ainomugisha said that he knew that the district needed support Impressed by the young boy, Muhindo celebrated fighting coronavirus and he hoped the money Ainomugisha’s patriotism and urged more would help. parents to teach their children the love of country. “I would like to thank the parents of this When the Rukiga Resident District Commissioner young boy, they have taught him right. Now, can’t (RDC), Pulkeria Mwiine we all learn from them?” he asked. Muhindo asked how he got the money, the young Besides the love of country, the RDC also Timothy said that he had encouraged parents and teachers to instill the a rabbit project and that value of sharing in their children. “Nurturing he had sold one rabbit just these characters starts when the child is young; it for the cause. “I heard on can be done by parents, but teachers too can do the radio that sick people, it,” he said. especially pregnant 44 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Kyaninga Lodge looks out for Children with Special Needs

efore the lockdown, the little girl was When they arrived at the different homes, the Bimproving. Then the lockdown happened, KCDC team was shocked by how quickly some and the severe malnutrition crept in. Steve of the children got to a critical state. “It’s tough. Williams, the proprietor of Kyaninga Lodge had Before we were seeing 800 children a month and to do something. In these hard times, Kyaninga now can only reach 30%, but we are finding new Lodge like most of the tourism sector had been approaches to help our team reach the children. affected. However, through the Kyaninga Child The team of 35 are working around the clock to get Development Center (KCDC), the philanthropic to the most critical kids, especially children who arm of the lodge that helps children with are severely handicapped,” he said. disabilities cope, they quickly reached out to families with special needs children. In a bid to make sure they had jobs, Williams kept his staff from the lodge to help out on the much- “It has been pretty flat out here. The lockdown has needed philanthropy. “I managed to re-employ all resulted in many children living with disabilities the lodge staff during the lockdown for another becoming malnourished. With no income the philanthropy project we started called Kyaninga families have been struggling, and I’m afraid it’s the Mobility,” he said. “It is a proposed workshop children living with disabilities who have suffered that will design, test, develop and manufacture the most,” Williams explains. Besides impairing wheelchairs, standing devices, seating apparatus, incomes, the lockdown also brought movement to prosthetics and other mobility equipment that is a screeching halt and so the organization had to specially tailored to the rural setting we operate figure out a way to deliver the needed help. in, allowing us to supply mobility equipment in far greater numbers, reduce waiting times and “We got special permission from the district to transform lives.” travel for the KCDC team to reach these children. We have managed to get out over 450 hampers to The organization will be 100% not-for-profit individual children (we include enough for the and through sales of equipment to third parties, whole family) which have a variety of nutritious help the company become self-sustaining. The food, some therapy materials, educational and ultimate goal is to channel all proceeds thereafter coronavirus-related information,” Williams said. towards supporting the work of KCDC. 45 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

A Coronavirus Song for Bunyoro

unyoro’s Wispa, Burnic MC, and Servant practice good hygiene with ordinary soap and BPRO have a coronavirus song out to water and distance socially. sensitise the Banyoro on the deadly virus. The hip-hop song titled Corona Virus, is laced with They rap about nutrition; advise people to street language that the youth relate to. eat garlic, food rich in vitamins, and to drink lots of water. They caution against being in The choice of words is deliberate and cuts overcrowded places and shaking hands while straight to the point. The song features three insisting that everyone adorn a mask at all artistes who open the song with a strong times. caution: The rhythm and lyrics are both catchy and easy Coronavirus is here. Stay home. Wash to remember with the chorus, acting as your hands. a repetitive call for all to join the They go on to emphasise just how fight against the virus. Written in pertinent it is to adhere to safety both English and the local dialect, regulations. The song tells of the genesis Runyoro, the group sings: of the virus from Wuhan China and how it was first dismissed as a rumour. All we- They further narrate how We can fight COVID-19 this rumour would All we- then be confirmed by We can fight C0VID-19 international media Twena- outlets like Aljazeera and Tukusobora kurwanisa CNN. Twena- Tukusobara kurwanisa The Artists continue Coronavirus kuruga to be role models in mu Uganda sensitizing all to buy and use effective sanitizers, 46 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 6 Eastern Uganda 47 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

he Eastern Region received its fair share increased food production and storage in Bugweri Tof giving. It was the heart-warming kind of that will address the anticipated challenges of giving; giving that re-energizes the concept of food shortage in the community. community. It was as much from organizations as it was from individuals. There was a lot of cash Besides food, she also started a tree-planting drive and non-cash giving, strangers reaching out, but around her home area. She sees tree-planting most impressively, it was the attention to the in Bugweri as a way to save not only the trees in plight of women and girls that stood out. her home area, but in the globe in the long run, as trees, in particular, have a large role to play In Bugweri District, philanthropist Aminah Mutesi in the environment by creating the majority of Nalugoda noticed the need to look at life beyond the oxygen almost all life on this planet needs to COVID-19. She was specifically worried that the survive. food basket was getting depleted and trees were being cut at a fast pace in the district. She initiated Mutesi believes that Bugweri can use this time the distribution of maize seeds to women groups to support the healing and reforestation of the in Bugweri. This project started in Makutu Village, environment by planting trees and farming to but Aminah intends to reach out to all women in prevent the threat of a looming famine. all the villages in the district. This will reinforce

Safe Delivery, Maama Kits and Food for Young Mothers argaret was an expectant mother who had “Today I received food—porridge and milk Mno means to buy the Mama Kit needed by powder; my baby makes a week today, and I have the hospital to help welcome her baby into the been experiencing a shortage in breastmilk. I world. It was hard before, but COVID-19 only have high hopes that with this food donation, I made it harder, as the cost of the items in the Kit will improve my diet to produce more milk for my had increased since lockdown. baby,” an elated Sirina said.

A local community organisation called CCU was stepping in to fill the gaps in service Community Concerns Uganda (CCU) came to her delivery by providing transportation and basic rescue and supplied Mama Kits to the expectant needs to pregnant women, since having food to mothers at the eat, let alone a balanced diet in the past 3 months health center has been a challenge, as well accessing health care where she when needed. attended her antenatal clinics. CCU focused on donations of Mama Kits and baby receivers, when pregnant women attended “God is great!” antenatal care and she exclaimed. therefore stepped “Who knew that up pregnant I would also get women’s attendance this…honestly, and delivery at God hears our a health facility. prayers. I only had a pair of gloves ready. Thank They sensitized you so much for this!” women on the Six hours after she received her packet, she went effects of COVID-19 into labour and was taken to the health center by and support to prevent conflicts in homes. The CCU where she delivered a baby boy. organization donated Mama Kits and receivers to The second was Sirina; a teenage mother without 63 pregnant women from 9 villages in Jinja and food. Mayuge districts within the ages 17-24 years. 48 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

A Reminder: Periods Don’t Stop for Pandemics

uch of life as we know it has changed in is known to cause a variety of health risks and Mthe past few months. One thing, though, increased risk for urinary or reproductive system has not: menstruation in women and young girls infections. continued its regular cycles. To address this need, Wilmat Development In Mayuge, the locals carried out a Rural Foundation visited rural areas and provided Community Empowerment Week, supported by clean sources of water, changing areas, proper Wilmat Development Foundation, to raise funds waste disposal facilities, and sanitary kits to for sanitary pads for young girls and women. They used the very platform to also fundraise for masks and other hygiene necessities for girls and women. To draw more awareness to the cause and encourage more donations, the Wilmat Foundation wrote:

Imagine spending seven years of your life feeling shame for your body and unsure about how to obtain the necessary hygiene products? In the poorer regions of Uganda, young girls miss an average of 2-3 days a month due to a variety of factors related to menstruation.

Some of these factors include the lack of doors in bathrooms or changing areas in schools; little to no access to sanitary pads or tampons, the stigma of being “dirty” that is associated with menstruation, an unpredictable supply of water, and a poor sewage system that contaminates rural women. They held a Rural Community water. Empowerment Week (between 20-24th of June- 2020) in Mayuge District, and donated 200 masks, Even in their own homes, rural women face 250 bars of soap, and 200 sanitary kits. these challenges and more. With the COVID-19 Wilmat hopes to target adolescent girls and young lockdown, there is a decreased supply of hygiene mothers in their future community projects, and products. To combat their lack of sanitary will focus on including more hygiene kits and products, many rural women have succumbed food. They need all the support and partnership to using stained and dirty strips of old cloth, they can get to make it possible so that both banana leaves, or other non-traditional items women and men have basic hygiene products and as replacements. This poor menstrual hygiene food to eat. 49 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Students Donate to Eastern Region Journalists

espite being away from university, students be neglected in the fight against coronavirus,” Dat the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Welunga stated. He maintained that the media Mbale Campus, donated food items to journalists risks their lives to bring information to the reporting about COVID-19 in the Eastern Region. general public and deserve the relief package. “As According to the university, the donations students of IUIU, through these small donations, were collected by the student’s guild body and we want to show journalists that we highly delivered to the District Taskforce by their Guild recognize the great job they do and encourage President, H.E. Welunga Yusuf. them to continue playing the fourth estate role,” he explained. “As the procedure requires, through the district task force headed by the RDC, we handed over Welunga also observed that the media in the

bags of rice, maize flour and bunches of bananas Eastern region had been left out when it came to be given to journalists from different media to relief donations, and yet their efforts are houses in Mbale,” Welunga revealed. The Guild worth noting. While receiving the donation, the President explained that they opted to support Mbale Deputy RDC Lilian Nakawesi commended journalists because of their important role of the IUIU students for the gesture. “This is an reporting and sensitizing the community about exceptional gesture and I call upon all student COVID-19. leaders from other institutions to emulate what IUIU has done,’’ Nakawesi stated. “Behind the microphones, cameras, and papers are the journalists whose role cannot 50 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

How This Village Shared Harvests

his year’s harvest season in the Eastern have stepped up to help ensure that everyone is TDistrict of Bukedea was different for many. well. In Kachumbala sub-county, about 15 Kilometers A few weeks before she harvested her fresh beans, away from Mbale Town, families shared with she received a bunch of matooke (green bananas) neighbours. Not that it was unheard of before from Christine Omongole who also shared this among the Iteso, (a highly communal people), harvest with other people in the community. but it had been quietly vanishing for a while now. Fruits, vegetables, and seeds were shared with This time round, whoever harvested first sent a those close by even without them asking. basin of food to their neighbours and a message of encouragement. The villagers collectively harvested crops from each other’s gardens at no fee, since many would “I have harvested not afford to pay for labour. They harvested fresh beans and groundnuts, beans and maize, and helped each shared it with other carry the harvest to the yards for drying out the surrounding in the sun. Whenever the adults were unavailable, homes,” Margarate they sent their teenage children to provide extra Ogwang, a resident harvesting hands at the neighbouring gardens. of Otem, narrated. Coronavirus might have left a trail of death across “Unlike in the the world, but in this small village in Kacumbala past where we sold it, this time around when my Sub-County, it kept the ubuntu and neighbourly jackfruit got ripe, we shared with neighbours.” She spirit alive. notes that this was different and that neighbours Stepping Up for a Neighbour Locked Up in Kampala

n the night Lorna Wanyenze’s her husband went into labour, I was with three neighbours Owas supposed to travel back from his trip to who helped arrange a car to transport me to the Kampala, the President announced a national hospital. Two of them stayed with me until I was lockdown. With just a few weeks left until the discharged since none of my relatives could travel birth of her baby, the very pregnant Lorna went to help out,” she recalls. into a state of panic. When her husband arrived, her child was over a She was new to the trading center in Butiru Sub- month old and she lacked nothing. “I have never County, in Manafwa District. She knew no one seen this type of kindness in my life, I used to cry and was counting on her husband to be there for tears of joy!” Until they saw that her husband had the birth of their son. As soon as her neighbours arrived, her neighbors didn’t stop making sure she noticed that her husband was away, and would was fine. be stuck wherever he was, they started trickling into her small compound with help. “First they brought a bunch of matooke, and then avocado,” she told of the giving that unfolded right before her eyes. “The next morning, I heard a knock at my door. About three or four women who had brought me more food and water.”

The neighbours did not stop at just food items. They went to her home and stayed with her, in turns, until her child was born. “By the time I 51 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

The Thumb Piano Delivers the Coronavirus Message

hough barely ten years old, Solomon Asiata, Most of the songs Akogo Boy wrote and played Taka Akogo Boy, delivers the message on were educational songs played in free-style. coronavirus through song. https://www.facebook. In one of the songs, he begs the heavens to protect com/emusoit.ali/videos/1841485689315783 the people from the virus while reminding them Despite battling a heart disease, the talented that they too must play their part, taking heed of young boy, a pupil at Faith Junior Academic in what the government advises. He is a darling of Kobwin, Ngora District beams when performing. many mostly because of how easy and clear his He combs through the thumb piano, also called message is. akogo, with such skill that it won him the name Akogo Boy. Akogo Boy commands respect in the region and He first burst onto the scene when his video went has used his platform to ensure that the message viral on social media. He was filmed playing a about coronavirus is delivered. As soon as his thumb piano, the akogo, which is a rare thing videos are uploaded, they are widely shared among among Teso children today. When the virus the Teso community on social media and later broke, the talented boy composed several songs replayed in the trading centers for all and sundry. cautioning the public to follow guidelines. 52 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Celebrated Eastern Uganda Orthopaedic Surgeon Talks Philanthropy

r. John Ekure is the Director of Kumi future at the time was shattered, until the DOrthopaedic Center, the biggest privately community decided to help. They supported me owned bones only hospital in Uganda with financially to finish my education; and that was clients across East Africa. He also doubles as the the giving that impacted how I view society today. Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon at the hospital. He Years later, I built a hospital in memory of my is the President of the Ugandan Orthopaedic mother and mostly to give back to the community Association. Outside of the hospital, he is the that supported me. former Kumi District President of the Lion’s Club, and a true believer in philanthropy. The I give to the people of Teso to show them that we CivSource Africa Team recently caught up with can get out of poverty by being focused. I want to him to discuss philanthropy. inspire them by doing something of value; giving service and helping other people see that growth His personal account follows: is possible even in the most difficult of situations. At Kumi Orthopaedic Center, giving has been This hospital is built in the Eastern District of weaved into our DNA. The foundation of the Kumi as a thank you to the people of Teso. hospital is built on that principle of giving back to

the community. When I look at my story, and why I built the Knowing that this is one of the most depressed hospital, it was meant to give back to the communities economically, I felt the need to community. You see, I was raised by my mother share my skills with my kin. I had to give back in right here in Kumi. She was a midwife at Kumi terms of providing the scarce resources that this Health Center during the time of insurgency, community required. I also built the hospital to when sadly she was killed. give back to God. Mum died when I was in High School and my 53 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Giving as a Responsibility

iving for me is simply about sharing and support the work therein, we know that the Glove. Sharing what you have with others who church has a big role to play in the development do not have; supporting others who require it. I of human beings. worry that people take givers for granted, so you must learn to give those that need it. Sadly, this We have also given to the local communities is what I believe has deterred the giving spirit in as well. Last year, there was a gentleman (sadly Africa. he passed on), who lived in a dilapidated and condemned building just opposite our hospital. As you give, you also receive. We have indeed We foresaw a disaster, so we built him a house been able to grow because in offering this service, back in his village and resettled him there. It people bring something in return. Interestingly, might have cost quite a lot to put up the two- that is where we get even more to give to other bedroomed house, but knowing that his wife and intuitions and communities. We have helped with children are safe is worth it. the building of churches, supported the education of different children, both orphaned and with We have prioritized giving to the very need: for parents. example, we give food, clothes, and shoes to an orphanage within Kumi District. During this We have supported the training of some doctors battle with COVID-19, we contributed a fair and medical personnel like nurses. I have several amount of money to the National Task Force examples: A young lady we met in the church through the Lions Club of Uganda. came to me to say that her parents could not afford her further education after Senior Four. In this time of COVID-19, the hospital is equipped She had attempted to join a Nurses’ Training to screen those with signs and symptoms of the School but failed. We helped her join another virus, and quickly refer them to the responsible one, met all her financial needs and when she authorities. All our staff and frontline workers are completed, we gave her a job. Now she can support protected with cloth masks and N95 masks as they her family and her siblings who are still in school. go about this screening, and also receive an extra That is the kind of giving that brings joy to my mask to take home with them for protection out of heart; it is very impactful. the hospital premise. Away from the health field, we have given to the education sector in the region. We have donated We have given information about COVID-19 to to schools like the community. In giving constant information Ngora High School, and educating the community, we have helped made several spread awareness and tips on how to prevent the contributions virus. We emphasize sanitization or handwashing; to Teso College we have explained why people need to use Aloet, mostly in alcohol-based sanitizer and not just any sanitizer. my capacity as an To ensure that no one is left out, we now plan old boy. We have to have more radio conversations within the supported a host of communities. institutions in the region. Outside of our skill set, we decided as a hospital to give blood. There is no better gift than the gift We have also given to churches for various of blood because it is part of our bodies and it reasons; sometimes for the treatment of a member literally saves a life. During this COVID-19 time, or construction of worship halls, among many therefore, our staff donated blood to the National other things. For us who believe in God and Blood Bank. 54 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Joining a Philanthropic Club

ue to our love for philanthropy, many like- planted one of the biggest numbers of trees in Dminded people came together to see how to Kumi District. better our community and the world as a whole. We have organised young people in schools into I belong to the Lion’s Club of Kumi Central, a what we call the Leo Club. In that club, we show subsidiary of the clubs of District 114B. Lions are them the benefits of serving the community. We generally about service; they give free services just work in five areas; youth, sight, hunger, pediatric to experience the joy of giving and putting people cancer, and diabetics. The District Club conducted back in a place where they feel like they belong. eye camps and diabetic camps. We are running the Teso diabetics project together with the Lions As members of the Lions Club of Kumi Central, Clubs International Foundation. These activities we have given generously to our communities. cover the districts of Bukedea, Kumi, and Ngora. We give food, protect the environment; we have

Take-home Message

love to give as I understand the impact it makes. Once you get those resources, a cycle is created. I Giving starts, first, by identifying a need; then Once you give, it comes back to you, and you get having a dream and a passion on how to meet that better at giving more. need. You then build on that dream and make the money that will allow you to give even more people. Interestingly, even giving of my time is a rewarding form of giving for me. Listening to people helps you To help with improving one’s hygiene, for example, know their need. For example, a mental health need resources like water and soap are required. It means is addressed by listening and not leaving anyone you must have resources to facilitate your giving. alone in a state of depression. 55 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 7 Northern Region

When a young man attempted suicide“ by jumping from a shopping mall at the city center, James Alemi, a mechanical engineer by training swooped in. Not only did he get the young man the medical help he needed, but he also helped him and his family get their desired financial standing. During the lockdown, Alemi has been involved in several fundraising drives especially in his home region of Northern Uganda.

CivSource Africa talked to him about why he does what he does. 56 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

James Alemi is a Giver

was born into a family of abject poverty. I know giving back. When I make money, I ensure that I I what it means to lack, especially if you look bless a needy person I find on the streets or social at my childhood. I remember the days when my media and in turn, God blesses me even more. For grandmother could not afford to buy meat for my example, if I make UGX2 Million ($540), I make sister and I. I vividly recall life especially during sure I give UGX500,000 ($135). I make sure I share. the ages of 7-9 years of age, 24 years ago. I have God will bless me with another UGX10 million those memories, they influence so much of the ($2700) or UGX30 million ($8000). The true giving I do today. meaning of being rich is impacting the life of the vulnerable in society. I was also born nationalistic and patriotic. I love helping my country and my President I help children affected by war, street kids, school especially in creating jobs for young dropouts, orphans of HIV by skilling them in people. I am blessed to have the professional and modern mechanics. Once they privilege of working for the affluent can earn their own money, that is a good thing, and the super-rich Ugandans. I celebrate that. I have so far trained 268 young people, for free, since 2013. I believe it is my calling by God for me to always bless His people by

Community Protects Girls and Women

s the urban centres worry about coronavirus marriages are settled. Aaffecting their incomes, girls in Karamoja Some of the teachers who are still living within worry about being married off before schools the school compounds offer refuge to girls whose open. Even before the coronavirus, this injustice parents might want to marry them off. In the same was happening in Amudat District. Many parents spirit, the community has vowed to send whoever were choosing marriage over education for their marries off their child during this time, to the teenage daughters, in exchange for a few goats. police station.

In Katabwok Besides early marriages, the community in Sub-County, Katabwok is also keen on monitoring those who Amudat District, might use this time to carry out Female Genital the villages are Mutilation on the girls who are not in school. The remote and justice Village Health Trainers are alert and have made is not easy to seek. it known to all that they will be arrested for this What this meant crime. was that many of the young girls The United Nations estimates that over 120 currently at home, million girls and women are mutilated every year as a result of the across 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East closure of schools, were worrying about being alone. In Uganda, over 400 girls are mutilated married off. With this in mind, the community during the circumcision years in the Karamoja occasionally met to make sure any cases of early and Sebei regions. 57 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Kitgum’s Sixteen-Year-Old Donates Her Pocket Money

to go towards easing the Komakech, who also doubles as movement of the sick during the head of the District COVID-19 lockdown. Task Force, said they had all been challenged by Okidi. “I know many people cannot “To see a young girl like this access health facilities due giving her money to us and to the lockdown but with the yet she does not have a job, is little I have given, I know the impressive. She has indeed ambulance will be fueled and challenged us,” he said. some lives will be saved,’’ the beaming teenager said. Komakech quickly re-assured unice Oting Okidi, a 16-year- the teenager that her money Eold student at Seeta High She encouraged fellow would go towards buying School in Mukono District, teenagers to do as she has with litres of fuel for the district donated UGX 100,000 ($27) to the little they have. “This money ambulance. the Kitgum District COVID-19 was pocket money given to me Task Force. The soft-spoken by my parents, I saved it and “We must respect her wish and Okidi said the money came from I now would like to share it that of all the donors. If she her savings and felt that this was with my people. I know some wants to make sure that sick the right cause to spend it on. teenagers have also saved their people who can’t walk long “I hope this money helps with money, please share it with our distances to hospitals are helped the district activities to fight people.” with our ambulances, that is coronavirus,” the teenager said what we should do,” he added. while handing the money over. Impressed by the young girl, She then explained that she Kitgum Resident District specifically wanted the money Commissioner, William 58 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Sunday Olyel Remembered People with Special Needs s the world withdrew into coronavirus pandemic, people home had about five people Atheir homes due to the with special needs are often left on average. Today, he takes deadly coronavirus, people with out. We had to do something,” he pride in knowing that the special needs were forgotten. explained. decision to take sign language When it came to community They produced 400 litres of sensitization to the people with sensitization, for example, liquid soap for free distribution hearing impairment, helped people with hearing impairment and heavily subsidized over spread awareness of COVID-19. were barely catered for. It was 2000 litres for the general “They now know how it spreads important to include messaging population. The 400 litres were but most importantly, they that reached them as well. specifically given to people with understand how it can be Sunday Olyel, the founder of hearing impairment during the avoided,” he observed. Persons with Special Abilities - sensitization visits. “We reached After registering success among Africa (PESA - Africa), saw this out to 100 people with hearing those with hearing impairment, gap in Gulu District and did impairment and their families to Olyel partnered with HIVE something about it. inform them about the current Uganda (an organization With support from The situation; we explained what that trains people with visual Pollination Project, Olyel and precaution they needed to take impairment in beekeeping), to the team started the Corona and also provided each of them make 920 litres of liquid soap Must Go Campaign which with 4 litres of liquid soap,” he which were distributed to 300 supported 100 people with said. people with visual impairment. hearing impairment. “In a time This campaign reached an of crisis, as it happened with the estimated 500 people as each 59 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

I Played My Part By George Abedi

or the two decades that I social distancing at all. I then went on to interact with Fhave been alive, I have not While this might have looked businessmen; the goal was to seen anything quite as scary. It like negligence at first, I soon encourage them to set hand has been a time of global panic, noticed that it was more washing facilities at their with thousands of people dying about ignorance. There was premises. It worked. Every on a daily basis. I have seen an information gap in my day I took note of how many nations lost in figuring out how community; if they knew people I had talked to and by to help their people, while the anything about the coronavirus, the end of the week, 350 people majority have been left with the information was scanty, or had proper information on the nothing but hope for a better worse, mythical. I knew then I coronavirus. By that end of that day. had to do something; I couldn’t week, over fifteen households Despite this, most of the people just sit and watch passively. No had handwashing facilities. I in Zombo District, where I live, way! I took action. also noticed that the business do not seem bothered by the I started a one-week and market authorities had news of the virus. I did not see sensitization campaign in my started ensuring the prevention anyone going out of their way to neighborhood. I moved door to guidelines were followed. follow the guidelines issued by door, met and interacted with I continue to preach prevention our health ministry. the youth, children, elders, among the illiterate and semi- In fact, by mid-April, people and women, all the while illiterate homesteads in my area. still gathered in groups; the emphasizing prevention. Many We all have a part to play and I streets were busy, markets still people were amazed, the local am glad I did mine. operated normally, children leaders joined my campaign and continued to play together and together we instantly noticed a there was no observation of change in behavior. 60 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Koboko All-Stars Caution the Kakwa Community

usic has undoubtedly played a very and symptoms, stay home and keep safe. Corona Msignificant role in the sensitization has led to the closure of schools, mosques, and of the public about coronavirus. In Koboko churches, disabling of businesses, and a pause in District, artistes came together in a song titled the world’s economy. We cannot take this virus ‘Coronavirus’. It is a slow Rhythm and Blues (R&B) for granted, lest we die just as it is the case in the and Hip-pop piece written in Kakwa, a local dialect USA, Italy, China, and other countries.” in West Nile. The lyrics contain the following as human are the major message: means through which The Koboko All Stars also highlight the signs and the virus can spread. symptoms of this virus which include sneezing, high temperatures, persistent flu, cough, and Written purely in difficulty in breathing, among others. The group the local dialect, the advises the public to maintain social distance, message is delivered wash hands at all times, avoid public gatherings, in a brief and crisp and wear masks while in public. Most importantly, approach. It is no they ask the people to stay at home and keep safe, wonder that this song Wash your hands, report to the health has been a choice for “ centres through the contacts provided by the those looking to sensitize masses in Koboko. Ministry of Health when you notice any signs The Karamojong in the Diaspora Fundraise for the Region

ware Uganda, in partnership with The of information on experiences, and strategies in AKaramoja Community United Kingdom the diaspora. Their ultimate goal is to strengthen Foundation, has launched an appeal to support the Karamojong voice and capacity to participate the vulnerable communities in Karamoja. The effectively and influence decisions made at proceeds will go towards rebuilding the lives national, regional, and global levels for the of the region’s vulnerable women and children development processes of Karamoja. during and after the coronavirus. Prior to the fundraising drive, they committed to contributing They are committed to ensuring that the Personal Protective Equipment across the region, which was also recently hit by cholera, Karamoja Region. is not left behind. “As Karamojong in the When COVID-19 broke out, the group helped diaspora, our focus will spread the message on the prevention of the be to look at trends, deadly virus with the following lyrics: challenges, successes, and opportunities to be Wash your hands with soap and water often explored in Karamoja,” “– for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands they explained. as soon as you get home. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put Keeping in mind that a used tissues in the bin immediately and wash lot of efforts have been your hands again; do not touch your face if your put in place by local, national, and international hands are not clean.” bodies to enhance Karamojong development. They believe that this is also a time to reflect upon The Karamojong Community United Kingdom what has and has not working in the development Foundation was formed to advance Karamoja’s process of the Karamoja region. development through advocacy and the sharing 61 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Brayo and Jeron Sensitise Northern Uganda

song by renowned Luo singer and producer, mouth; let us not take chances, youth” – this is ABrayo gained an enormous amount of airplay the key message in the song. in Northern Uganda. The song about coronavirus that features another lead singer in Northern They warn that thousands of people are dying in Uganda, Jeron Keen, is written in Luo. other countries and that they would not wish to see that happening in Uganda. The artistes also It starts by demystifying the myths around dismiss the myth that COVID-19 as the singers dismiss the notion that only the elderly have the virus is a laboratory project by the Chinese to died and insist that conquer the world’s economy. They then advise coronavirus has killed the public to be vigilant and protect their lives across different age and that of others so as not to contract the deadly groups. virus. The song, a merger Corona has no cure or vaccines yet, stay home of Rhythm and Blues “ and keep safe. I sing this song for my life and (R&B) and Dancehall, yours, you are precious, don’t expose your life is very short and clear. to danger by being negligent, let us all make The words are precise and nothing is lost in this little sacrifice, and we shall win the fight translation. Educated and uneducated members and come out of it stronger. Maintain social of the public can relate to this especially beautiful distance, handwashing, and being vigilant about song. Without a doubt, Brayo and Jeron Keen any signs and symptoms related to the virus. delivered this with the utmost skill. Use sanitizers, don’t touch your nose, eyes, and Paidha Artists Sing about Prevention aidha All-Stars released a coronavirus song signs and symptoms of the disease such as high Pto accelerate the sensitization in West Nile. temperatures and flu-like symptoms. The call is The song featuring Hassla, Leza Nathan, Kaga therefore to stick strictly to the health guidelines Boy, Riaso Boy, and many others is titled Fight such as avoiding handshakes, and wearing masks Corona. It is a blend of Rhythm and Blues (R&B) while in public. and hip-hop; a music style that appeals to many people. The song starts with the mention of some There is a call for people to be deliberate about killer diseases like malaria, gonorrhea, ebola, HIV/ good nutrition; eat garlic, greens, drink a lot of AIDS, and then skillfully introduces the topic of fluids, coronavirus. The artistes make a strong call to The song is a blend of both English and the local action and warn that if the public doesn’t unite dialect, Alur. Here’s a short translation of one of against the virus, death would occur. the verses: The emphasis is on the need to stay at home, wash hands, sanitize, From malaria, gonorrhea, ebola, HIV, today it’s and pray. The song now corona. acknowledges that If we don’t unite in this fight, we are gonna die. in the amidst of the Kadi Peko tiye, atwonga, muwa iwu utiye Nia wu challenges like the gwokuru: lack of money and (the message is keep safe), general life hardship in Wubed ipacu, kud wuwoth akeca (stay home, do these times, the need not move about), to stay alive is most Ulwok cingu sawa ceke (wash your hands at all important. The artists times). then describe the 62 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Chapter 8

A Quick Glance At The African Scene 63 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

This might be a collection about Mahmoud Al Leithy from Beyoncé and Pharrell in the the giving stories in Uganda, Egypt, Nikki from Nigeria, latest Lion King movie) sung but what is the Ugandan story Rozzy from Sierra Leone, his part in French, Mahmoud without the African one? Salatiel from Cameroon, Sean Al Leithy, also a famous singer In this section we explored some K from Namibia, Sunita from and actor from Egypt, sang his of the giving that happened at The Gambia, Tom close from in Arabic to represent African a continental level and trickled Rwanda, and Wezi from Zambia. Arabic speaking countries. down to Uganda. Dr. Kelej explained that the The rest of the group, also very In a bid to celebrate the health song is a salutation of the great famous in their countries, sang workers at the frontline in the sacrifice the health workers in English. fight against the coronavirus, are making during these Although many would know artists from 11 African countries trying times. She further said her from her role with Merck, came together and recorded that the song, done in Arabic, Dr. Kelej maintains that she has a song. The song, carefully English, and French, is a project experience in production and executed in three different woven under her personal presenting TV programs from languages, is a project by Dr. initiative called, Separated her time at Abu Dhabi TV. “I Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive but Connected. “I am very have also produced and directed Officer of Merck Foundation, proud that I have been able to many documentaries with the the philanthropic arm of the coordinate, direct, and produce aim to break the stigma around pharmaceutical giant, Merck. this gesture of support across infertile women and to empower 11 African countries through women and girls in education, in It is a melodious reggae tune these 11 talented singers in three Africa and Asia, as part of Merck featuring the talents of A-Pass languages,” she said. Foundation programs.” from Uganda, Cwezi from While famous Cameroonian Ghana, Kambua from Kenya, singer Salatiel (who sang with 64 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

African Rugby Players to get Aid

iven the current health As centers of shared values planning safe, practical Gcrisis, the Rugby Africa “and spaces for individual protocols at a local level to Executive Committee has and group development, our get back on the playing field approved the immediate release federations play a key role and TV screens, they maintain of EUR 170,000 (over UGX 700M) in rugby’s success in Africa. that the priority remains to from a solidarity fund available More than ever, the current help federations deal with this to all member federations as health crisis is having a major complex situation in the best financial aid, to support their impact on all federations and possible way while ensuring rugby communities. their clubs, their coaches, and health and safety for all. In a press release through the their players – the pillars of Rugby Africa, previously known African Press Organisation, Rugby Africa. This financial as the Confederation of African Rugby Africa said that the support supplements a range Rugby (CAR), was established in funds will go towards the of initiatives already rolled out 1986. It is one of the six regional distribution of food packages, to boost our rugby community associations of World Rugby, the Personal Protective Equipment, and highlights the shared international organisation in and medical support for clubs values and cooperation dear to charge of managing the Rugby and players in their respective our organisation. We must also Union and Rugby Sevens (a countries. While speaking about stand together and continue to game involving seven players on this decision, Khaled Babbou, do everything we can to support either side). the Rugby Africa President, said: those combating the pandemic.” Although Rugby Africa is 65 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.2

Ensuring Africa has the Correct COVID-19 Information

Opera News, one of the world’s that anything that could be Opera News, which positions leading browser providers for misleading is nipped in the bud. our news service as one of the digital content, is partnering “Providing the public with largest in the world. We believe with the African Press accurate information about our partnership with APO Group Organisation Group (APO) COVID-19 is crucial, especially is a great fit for our mobile apps to boost the prominence of as Africa’s coronavirus response and will benefit hundreds of truthful news articles related is regularly obstructed by millions of users who search for to the spread of COVID-19 fake news,” said APO Group COVID-19 information every day across Africa. This collaboration Founder and Chairman, Nicolas on the Opera Mini browser and integrates the APO Group Pompigne-Mognard. the Opera News app.” Newsroom website into the “This initiative will provide the Users looking to read the APO Opera News platform used by millions of Africans who use Group feed of news releases on 200 million users worldwide. Opera mobile applications with the Opera Mini browser can tap This partnership stems access to genuine, credible news on the Coronavirus Channel tab from the need to reduce the content. We are proud to join in the browser’s newsfeed. Once consumption of misleading news forces with Opera to ensure that there, they will easily identify articles that include deliberate truthful, helpful, and potentially the news releases as they appear disinformation about COVID-19 life-saving information gains under the Africa Newsroom in different African countries. It wider prominence in Africa.” option. will provide millions of Opera Jørgen Arnesen, of the Mobile The link to the platform is: users in the African region Browsers section at Opera said https://www.africa-newsroom. with official information from this collaboration will benefit com/ trusted and reputable online those searching for information sources, and are committed on the virus. “We just hit a new to fact-checking and ensuring record of 200 million users with Plot 18, Balikuddembe Road, Naguru Kampala, Uganda P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056 civsourceafrica.com | [email protected]